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Teen comes out to entire school after receiving award [VIDEO]

A high school senior came out in front of a crowd of over 300 people including students, parents and teachers.
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Teen gives inspirational coming out speech in front of 300 people.
Teen gives inspirational coming out speech in front of 300 people.
Updated Jan. 23, 2013 at 4:05 PM
Published: Jan. 23, 2013 at 3:54 PM

A high school senior came out in front of a crowd of over 300 people including students, parents and teachers after being called to the stage to receive the award for class actor.

"Sure I've been in a few plays and musicals, but more importantly, I've been acting every single day of my life," Jacob Rudolph said in his acceptance speech.

He continued,

"You see, I've been acting as someone I'm not. Most of you see me every day. You see me acting the part of 'straight' Jacob, when I am in fact LGBT. Unlike millions of other LGBT teens who have had to act every day to avoid verbal harassment and physical violence, I'm not going to do it anymore. It's time to end the hate in our society and accept the people for who they are regardless of their sex, race, orientation, or whatever else may be holding back love and friendship. So take me leave me or move me out of the way. Because I am what I am, and that's how I'm going to act from now on."

The teen got a standing ovation from his inspirational coming out speech and his proud father, Jonathan Rudolph, captured and shared the moment with several LGBT websites.

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